tbzmedTabriz University of Medical SciencesRDMEResearch and Development in Medical EducationOriginal ResearchResearch and Development in Medical EducationThe Analysis of Learning Styles and Their Relationship to Academic Achievement in Medical Students of Basic Sciences ProgramThe Analysis of Learning StylesGhaffariRezaTabriz University of Medical Scienses, medical education research centerSalek RanjbarzadehFaribaTabriz University Of Medical Sciences, Fathi AzarEskandarTabriz University of Medical Scienses, medical education research centerHassanzadehSusanTabriz University of Medical Scienses, medical education research centerSafaeiNaserTabriz University of Medical Scienses, medical education research centerGolanbarParisaTabriz University of Medical Scienses, medical education research centerMazouchianHosseinTabriz University of Medical Scienses, 2- Student Research Committee, Student Research CenterAbbasiElhamTabriz University of Medical Scienses, medical education research center1020131510201322722013Tabriz University of Medical Sciences2013The Analysis of Learning Styles and Their Relationship to Academic Achievement in Medical Students of Basic Sciences Program

Introduction: Learning style is an individual’s preferred method of encountering information in specific situations in order to acquire knowledge, skills and attitudes through study or experience. Students and Planers’ awareness of learning styles facilitate the teaching process, increases satisfaction and makes the future choices easier. This study aimed to examine different learning styles and their relation to academic achievement in medical students of basic sciences program at Tabriz Universit of Medical Sciences.Methods: In this descriptive – analytical study, the sample consisted of all medical students of basic sciences program at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in 2011-2012. The data was collected through a questionnaire which included respondents’ demographic information and overall grade point average (GPA) as well as Kolb standard questions on learning styles.Results: 4.3%, 47.8%, 44.9% and 2.9% of students preferred diverger,assimilator,converger and accommodator learning styles, respectively. Mean overall GPA of students who preferred diverger learning styles was 15.26±1.80. Students who prefer assimilator, converger and accommodator learning styles had mean overall GPAs of 15.19±1.44,15.14±1.39 and 14.31±1.46 respectively.The findings showed no significant relationship between students’ learning academic achievement and their learning styles (p = 0.689).Conclusion:There was no significant relationship between Students’ academic achievement and their learning styles. Furthermore, the majorit of the students preferred accommodator and converger learning styles. Consequently, adopting interactive teaching methods,using tutorials, running simulation programs,launching laboratory activities and encouraging students to think and analyze problems and issues can be greatly effective in prolonging their learning lifecycle.